Pranayama builds immunity, helps in COVID fight, says PM Modi on Yoga Day

PM Modi also said that the world is feeling the need for yoga more seriously than ever due to the corona pandemic. “If our immunity is strong then we get great help in defeating this disease. There are many methods of yoga , many types of asanas to increase immunity. Those asanas increase the strength of our body, strengthen our metabolism. Covid19 virus specifically attacks our respiratory system. The one that helps in strengthening our Respiratory system the most is Pranayama, ie breathing exercise,” he said.

The prime minister said that Yoga is “force for unity and deepens the bonds of humanity”. “Yoga enhances our quest for a healthier planet. It has emerged as a force for unity and deepens the bonds of humanity. It does not discriminate. It goes beyond race, color, gender, faith, and nations,” he said. “Anybody can embrace Yoga. All you need is some part of your time and empty space. Yoga is giving us not only physical strength but also mental balance and emotional stability to confidently negotiate the challenges before us,” he said.

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PM Narendra Modi during Yoga Day celebrations in Ranchi. (Reuters/File)

He, further, underlined that with Yoga, one can overcome crises and win. “Yoga also gives us confidence and morale so that we can overcome crises and win. Yoga gives us peace of mind, also provides restraint and stamina. Swami Vivekananda used to say- an ideal person is one who is active even in the most uninhabited , and experiences complete peace even in extreme mobility,” he said.

“The meaning of Yoga is – ‘ Samtvam Yoga Uchhyate ‘, that is, the name of compatibility-adversity, success-failure, happiness-crisis, staying the same in every situation, remaining steadfast,” he said.

For the first time since it was instituted on June 21, 2015, Yoga Day celebrations will be held virtually due to coronavirus. This year’s theme is “Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family”.

The proposal to observe Yoga Day was introduced by PM Modi in his address during the opening of the 69th Session of the General Assembly back in 2014. The World Health Organization (WHO) mentions yoga as a means to improve health in its Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018–2030: More active people for a healthier world.